Philipinnos Capture Life Giant Crocodile

Villagers in the Philippines have captured a one-ton crocodile, which they are planning to make the star of a new ecotourism park.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the 21-foot male crocodile along a stream in Bunawan township in Agusan del Sur province after a three-week hunt.

Mr Elorde said the crocodile killed a water buffalo in an attack witnessed by villagers last month and was also suspected of having killed a fisherman who went missing in July.

"We were nervous but it's our duty to deal with a threat to the villagers," he said. "When I finally stood before it, I couldn't believe my eyes."

After initial sightings, hunters set four traps, which the crocodile destroyed. They then used sturdier traps using steel cables, one of which finally caught it.



About 100 people had to pull the crocodile, which weighs about 2,370lbs to a clearing where a crane lifted it into a truck.

Officials have now claimed they are hunting for a second and even bigger crocodile, that could be one of the biggest ever caught.

Theresa Mundita Lim of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau said wildlife officials are trying to confirm if it is the largest such catch in the world.